January 2027 CLGMS Monthly Meeting - The History & Geology of Montana Sapphires with Will Russell
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Come out to our January meeting where Will will discuss the history and geology of Montana sapphires along with the realities of small-scale mining operations, including video footage of their mining process. Both rough and cut specimens will be on hand to examine.
Will Russell has been a rockhound since age seven, when family trips to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas first got the bug started. That early obsession turned into a lifelong hobby, beginning with topaz hunting trips with his dad in the early 2000s. When his dad retired, he set his sights on something bigger: Montana sapphires. The two made their first trip out in 2011, spending several years working other miners' claims for a share of production before staking their own claim on the Missouri River in 2019 — where they designed and built their own wash plant from scratch.
Today, their operation, U.S. Gemstone, produces 5,000–7,000 rough carats of sapphire a year, with a focus on finished, unheated stones. Will works as a software engineer at the Health and Safety Council in Pasadena, TX, and splits his time between Santa Fe, TX, and the mine in Helena, MT, while his dad spends full summers on-site. U.S. Gemstone is no stranger to the Clear Lake Gem and Mineral Society Show, where they exhibit alongside other regional shows each year.
Also this will be a great meeting for show and tell so be sure to bring whatever specimens, jewelry, or other items you would like to donate to the President's personal collection (ahem . . . clears throat . . . I mean that you would like to show off to the members, ask questions and then take back to your home (dang it . . . I almost had ya)).
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS, however, when you come to our meeting and know you want to join our “Rockin” family, you will be happy to know that our annual membership is only $15 for adults or $20 for an entire family (all at the same address) and FREE for honorary members age 70 and above. Your membership fees not only give you our “gem” of a newsletter every month, but it also helps to support scholarships and school grants. Let me just make this “crystal” clear – we would love for you to join our group. Visit our website at www.clgms.org to read more about this “jewel” or an opportunity! (I know, I know . . . I’m punny . . . but I’m also done now) #clgms #CLGMSMonthlyMeetings #CLGMSSpeakersRock #RocksRock
Will Russell has been a rockhound since age seven, when family trips to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas first got the bug started. That early obsession turned into a lifelong hobby, beginning with topaz hunting trips with his dad in the early 2000s. When his dad retired, he set his sights on something bigger: Montana sapphires. The two made their first trip out in 2011, spending several years working other miners' claims for a share of production before staking their own claim on the Missouri River in 2019 — where they designed and built their own wash plant from scratch.
Today, their operation, U.S. Gemstone, produces 5,000–7,000 rough carats of sapphire a year, with a focus on finished, unheated stones. Will works as a software engineer at the Health and Safety Council in Pasadena, TX, and splits his time between Santa Fe, TX, and the mine in Helena, MT, while his dad spends full summers on-site. U.S. Gemstone is no stranger to the Clear Lake Gem and Mineral Society Show, where they exhibit alongside other regional shows each year.
Also this will be a great meeting for show and tell so be sure to bring whatever specimens, jewelry, or other items you would like to donate to the President's personal collection (ahem . . . clears throat . . . I mean that you would like to show off to the members, ask questions and then take back to your home (dang it . . . I almost had ya)).
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS, however, when you come to our meeting and know you want to join our “Rockin” family, you will be happy to know that our annual membership is only $15 for adults or $20 for an entire family (all at the same address) and FREE for honorary members age 70 and above. Your membership fees not only give you our “gem” of a newsletter every month, but it also helps to support scholarships and school grants. Let me just make this “crystal” clear – we would love for you to join our group. Visit our website at www.clgms.org to read more about this “jewel” or an opportunity! (I know, I know . . . I’m punny . . . but I’m also done now) #clgms #CLGMSMonthlyMeetings #CLGMSSpeakersRock #RocksRock
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Where is it happening?
Helen Hall Library, Attic Dust, 451 Highway 3 S, League City, TX 77573, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherClear Lake Gem & Mineral Society Inc.
